Floral Design

Your at-home learning program includes eight Instruction Sets designed to take you step-by-step through the techniques and skills you’ll employ in your new career in Floral Design. Your first Instruction Set will be sent to you as soon as your enrolment has been accepted. Other Instruction Sets will follow as you complete your exams, so that you will always have training materials to work with.

Instruction Set 1

• Learning Strategies
  • The advantages of learning at home; types of study materials; types of examinations; accessing and using the features of our website; determining what kind of learner you are; establishing a study schedule; using study tips; preparing for and taking examinations.
• Introduction to Floral Design and Flowers
  • History of floral design; professional opportunities; selling with unique designs; care and handling of cut flowers.

Instruction Set 2

• Basics and Tools of Floral Design
  • Classification of flowers, plants, and foliage; materials and tools; choosing the right flowers.
• Practical Exercise 1
• Learning Aid: Bow Package 1
• Supplement: Cut Flower Book
• Video: “Introduction to Bow Tying”

Instruction Set 3

• Principles and Elements of Design
  • Elements of design: line, space, texture, form, and color; principles of design: composition, scale, and balance.
• Introduction to Design Techniques
  • Descriptions of a variety of design techniques and styles.
• Practical Exercise 2
• Supplement:
  • Floral Designer’s Glossary
• Learning Aid: Colour Wheel
• Audiocassette: Floral Designer’s Pronunciation Guide

Instruction Set 4

• Design Styles — Part 1
  • In-depth discussion of design styles: Ikebana, formal linear, western line, crescent, Mille de Fleur, Biedermeier, and parallel.
• Design Styles — Part 2
  • In-depth discussion of vegetative, landscape, new convention, abstract, new wave, interpretive, waterfall, and hand-tied.
• Practical Exercise 3
• Supplement: Ikebana
• Equipment: Floral Designer’s Kit

Instruction Set 5

• Weddings — Part 1
  • Conducting the bridal consultation; working within a wedding budget; coordinating fabrics with floral design; bridal bouquet design methods and styles; coordinating the attendants with the bride.
• Weddings — Part 2
  • Wedding body flowers: corsages, wristlets, hair accessories, wreaths, lapel boutonnieres; decorating for the ceremony; floral arrangements for the reception; head, guest, and buffet tables; floral cake decorations.
• Solemn Occasions
  • The funeral consultation; the variety of arrangements used; history and uses of carnations and roses.
• Practical Exercise 4
• Learning Aids:
  • Bow Package 2
  • Wedding Order Forms
• Equipment: Boutonniere and Corsage Kit
• Video: “Wedding Arrangements”

Instruction Set 6

• Plants and Their Care
  • Selecting the right plant; caring for potted plants; designing commercial and home plant displays; diagnosing and treating common plant problems.
• Artificial and Dried Flowers — Part 1
  • Working with artificial flowers and plants; using dried flowers; creating dried flower displays and potpourri.
• Artificial and Dried Flowers — Part 2
  • Advanced artificial and dried designs; working with dried, wax, and other artificial accessories.
• Practical Exercise 5
• Supplement: Making Your Own Potpourri
• Video: “Artificial and Dried Flower Arrangements”

Instruction Set 7

• Christmas
  • Traditions; working with evergreens; creating wreaths; working with artificial Christmas materials; poinsettias and their care.
• Major Holidays
  • Designs for major holidays: Valentine’s Day, Easter, Mother’s Day, Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve, innovative party designs and gift baskets.
• Theme Arrangements
  • Promoting and planning for minor holidays; creating holiday theme arrangements; accessory and theme ideas; arrangements for minor holidays: Secretaries’ Day, Father’s Day, Halloween.
• Practical Exercise 6
• Equipment: Christmas Wreath Kit
• Video: “Holiday and Theme Arrangements”

Instruction Set 8

• Establishing a Business
  • Establishing your identity; examining the competition; securing funds; determining location, size, and shop layout; finding and keeping productive employees.
• Managing a Business
  • The wholesale market; seasonal availability; purchasing nonfloral items; pricing strategy; security.
• Marketing and Merchandising
  • Maintaining positive public relations; promoting your business; creating window displays; opening commercial accounts
• Practical Exercise 7
• Final Exam Project
  • Final exam project with camera. Exam critiqued by outside industry expert.
• Learning Aid: Disposable Camera

Online Library and Librarian
Students in ICS Canada have access to an online library for use during their studies. Students can use this library to do the required research in the courses they complete or can use it for general reference and links to valuable resources. The library contains helpful research assistance, articles, databases, books, and Web links. A librarian is available to answer questions on general research-related topics via email and assist students in research activities during their studies with ICS Canada.

We reserve the right to change program content and materials when it becomes necessary.